Snow closes, delays schools across southern MN

MINNEAPOLIS -- You wouldn't know it standing in the heart of the Twin Cities metro but a band of snow is making for a tough morning commute Thursday plus closing or delaying schools across the southern part of Minnesota.

In Willmar, a snowfall that will eventually accumulate 5 or 6 inches deep has closed schools in that community.

At least 30 schools in the southern portion of the state are closed due to accumulating and blowing snow.

As of 8:30 a.m. the community of Murdock had recieved 7 inches of snow, while folks in Litchfield were dealing with 6 inches and Mankato measured 5. In the southern Metro the snow leader was Waconia with nearly 6 inches, followed by Prior Lake with 2.5.

Accumulating snow with amounts of 1 to 2 inches is falling along a line from Delano and Independence southeast through Eden Prairie and Savage. Communities like Chaska, Victoria, Waconia, West Bloomington, Shakopee and Prior Lake will have snow covered roads and very slippery conditions through late morning.

People who live west of Interstate 494 and south of Highway 7 will have to shovel a few inches of snow today while the rest of the Metro will be shovel free. US Highway 12 from Orono and west through Litchfield to Willmar will have slow drive with the falling snow.